Following a suspected food poisoning incident that left 85 students at PP Savani International School in Surat sick, Gujarat’s Health Minister Praful Pansheriya has mandated a comprehensive inspection of every student hostel across the state to enforce compliance with standard operating procedures (SOP).

  • 85 students affected, 73 treated in OPD, 12 admitted, 8 still hospitalized
  • Surat Municipal Corporation inspected kitchens, collected 6 food samples
  • Statewide inspection of all student hostels ordered by the government

On Saturday, students at PP Savani International School’s hostel in Surat complained of stomach pain and vomiting, prompting a response from the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC). According to the SMC, 12 students were admitted to the hospital—nine girls and three boys aged 15‑17—while 4 were discharged after treatment and 8 remain under observation.

Health Minister Praful Pansheriya, in a video statement, clarified that the incident may be a case of food poisoning, a waterborne infection, or another health issue. He emphasized that the SOP set by the state health department must be strictly followed in all hostels—government, semi‑government, grant‑in‑aid, or private—across Gujarat.

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The SMC’s sanitation and food departments inspected the hostel’s kitchen and canteen, collected six food samples, and issued a notice to the institution for negligence. The institution was instructed to contact the nearest hospital immediately if any student exhibits symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, or fever.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that lapses in food safety in student hostels can trigger widespread outbreaks, especially among adolescents whose immune systems are still maturing. State‑level inspections establish a preventive framework to mitigate future incidents.

“Strict adherence to SOPs in student hostels is the first line of defense for public health,” says Dr. Anil Kumar, Public Health Expert.
Did You Know? Between 2019 and 2023, cases of foodborne illness in student hostels across India rose by 18%.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is this incident limited to Surat?

No, the incident is not limited to Surat. The minister has ordered inspections of all student hostels throughout Gujarat.

2. What does SOP stand for in this context?

SOP refers to the standard operating procedures covering meal preparation, storage, sanitation, and emergency protocols to safeguard student health.